LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) — What began as a simple equipment violation turned into a major drug and weapons arrest Saturday night after police say they found meth, pills, marijuana, a knife — and a homemade explosive — during a traffic stop at Home2 Suites.
According to the Lewisburg Police Department, Officer Jeffery T. Williams II pulled over a silver Chevy Malibu with West Virginia plates around December 13, 2025, after noticing the vehicle had no working registration lights.
Smell of Marijuana Sparks Search
While speaking with the driver, Ashley Hanna, Officer Williams noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the car. When asked, passenger Robert Wade admitted the marijuana belonged to him.
But as Wade was ordered out of the vehicle, the situation escalated.
Williams reported that Wade began digging in his jacket and the floorboard, prompting the officer to draw his pistol and order Wade to drop the objects in his hands. Wade complied, but then refused repeated commands from Deputy Mitchell of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department to remove his left hand from his pocket.
Knife Hidden in Jacket Sleeve
Deputies attempted to detain Wade, discovering a 7.75-inch Buck 102 knife hidden in his jacket sleeve. Officers took Wade to the ground as he kept his arm tucked under his body before being handcuffed.
A search of Wade revealed:
-
5 grams of marijuana
-
1.75 grams of methamphetamine
-
105 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills
-
1 Suboxone strip (8 mg)
Inside Wade’s backpack, officers also found a marijuana grinder with loose marijuana.
Homemade Explosive Discovered
In a startling turn, officers say Wade also had a 4-inch homemade explosive wrapped in black duct tape, containing what appeared to be black powder and a green fuse wick for ignition.
Drugs found are classified as:
-
Methamphetamine — Schedule II
-
Alprazolam — Schedule III
-
Marijuana — Schedule I
-
Suboxone — Schedule III
Wade Taken to Southern Regional Jail
Wade was arrested and taken to the Lewisburg Police Department before being transported to Southern Regional Jail. Additional charges related to the explosive device are expected.
The investigation is ongoing.
